Open carrying to a job interview...

I am applying for a job in another state and I will be flying out for the interview. I am not able to conceal carry in the state as my permit is not valid there. However I am legally allowed to open carry. So I am thinking I should open carry to the interview. Has anyone done this, and how did it go?

ETA: I will be in an unfamiliar big city where I don't know anybody. I am also not sure what areas are dangerous and what are not. I am hesitant to disarm for fear of my own safety. I don't like the idea of a gun stolen out of my rental car. So this is why I am not sure leaving it in the car is a good idea. And I don't trust hotel staff either.

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General Geoff

September 6, 2009, 01:10 AM

Is this job in the firearms industry?

If not, are you actually hoping to LAND a job? Let's put it this way: There's a chance that the interviewer is a gun enthusiast who supports open carry, and in that case you've got a point in your favour. If, however, he's not (which is far more likely), you've shot yourself in the foot and may actually result in them asking you to leave before the interview begins.

It's a bold move, and is indeed your move to make. But if you really need this job, I'd take the risk of going unarmed just this once.

camslam

September 6, 2009, 01:10 AM

One vote for really not a good idea, unless of course you are applying for a job at a gun store. :)

Otherwise, not really the message you probably want to send right off the bat.

Although I would NEVER, EVER, even think about suggesting something illegal, concealed means concealed. Just a thought.

mp510

September 6, 2009, 01:11 AM

If you show up with a visible weapon at the interview, you can kiss any chance of getting the job good-bye. Most companies have issues with their employees carrying at all (on the job). What message will it say when you show up in the office with a weapon strapped to your side?

Eightball

September 6, 2009, 01:11 AM

While it depends on the job, my immediate guess would be that such actions would not impress a possible future employer.

Deus Machina

September 6, 2009, 01:22 AM

These guys have said it all, really.

I wouldn't be too worried about the car, assuming it's not in an obviously bad part of the town. Lock it up in the glovebox.

THE DARK KNIGHT

September 6, 2009, 01:30 AM

Lock the gun in the car. No matter how unfamiliar you are with the city, or how bad you think it is, you and the gun will be just fine. 99.99999% of the time an open carried weapon at work will make sure you DON'T get the job.

PandaBearBG

September 6, 2009, 01:35 AM

Well depending on the job I don't think it would be prudent to open carry one with you. I am an advocate of carrying and self preservation, but I would say don't. It may project the wrong image and may give you a less than desirable effect on your potential employers. It may project the image of distrust towards them and their business if you go in armed, even if you are LEGALLY allowed to. You don't want the any of their focus off you, the potential new hire, to your firearm. They don't know you and may not appreciate being locked in a room with an armed stranger.

I know if I was an employer for the average office job or even factory job I would be wary of a gun. If the job you are apply for is security/LE/or any position that requires firearms, I think it best to learn their practices and procedures before coming in armed, it may even be against their policies, instant stike one!
Most hotels come with hotel room safes. You could also keep it there. Call your hotel and check. If you absolutely must take it with you I would suggest locking it in a compact pistol case and shove it in your laptop/portfolio bag while in your interview. That way the pistol is with you but technically not concealed since it is cased you can carry it with you. I'm pretty sure that's ok. If all else just carry a pocket knife if you can't bring your gun.

Just my thoughts.

JohnKSa

September 6, 2009, 01:37 AM

Your job during an interview is to keep the interview focused on the job, on your strong points and to avoid absolutely ANYTHING that could cast you in a negative or controversial light.

Get a conservative hair cut, get rid of facial hair, hide piercings and tattoos as much as possible, dress conservatively, don't talk about hobbies and if you are forced to, discuss something mainstream. Don't tell jokes, don't discuss likes and dislikes except as they relate specifically to the job. Don't discuss politics or religion. Don't discuss your medical problems or sexual proclivities. Do NOT carry a firearm to the interview.

Frankly I feel like I'm doing your potential employer a tremendous disservice by giving you this advice. As much as I like firearms I would never hire anyone whose judgement was so poor that it prompted them to openly carry one to a job interview.

PandaBearBG

September 6, 2009, 02:04 AM

OldSkoolFan - if you hired a plumber or a cleaning crew to your house, and he was carrying, what would you think? "Oh it's ok he's just enforcing his right to carry." Personally I would think "D**n! this guys gonna rob me! ***!" Even if it is a right you gotta have some boundries and some common sense.

Lonestar49

September 6, 2009, 02:10 AM

...

In a nutshell:

Is this job in the firearms industry?

If not, are you actually hoping to LAND a job? Let's put it this way: There's a chance that the interviewer is a gun enthusiast who supports open carry, and in that case you've got a point in your favor. If, however, he's not (which is far more likely), you've shot yourself in the foot and may actually result in them asking you to leave before the interview begins.

It's a bold move, and is indeed your move to make. But if you really need this job, I'd take the risk of going unarmed just this once.
__________________

Bears repeating,

Luck,

Ls

wrs840

September 6, 2009, 02:37 AM

Oldskoolfan, It sounds like you already know that guns may be unwelcome at the place you're applying. I think you should learn "where not to go" in this "big city" and leave the gun at home. Cabs are good way to get around in big cities for these situations. If the job is in a crap part of town, you may want to rethink working there anyway.

OTOH, if you land the job, you may want to get yourself elected to City Council and achieve a small step toward changing the balance of power from the people that have owned big-cities for the last half-century+ and convince some of the dangerous "big-city" folks that the Statist policies that have a boot on their necks aren't working... at all (look at the results) ...for any of the folks that Statists claim to champion/advocate for.

Les

The Lone Haranguer

September 6, 2009, 05:44 AM

Although I would NEVER, EVER, even think about suggesting something illegal, concealed means concealed. Just a thought.
{whistle}

This is what small pocket guns were made for.

Your job during an interview is to keep the interview focused on the job, on your strong points and to avoid absolutely ANYTHING that could cast you in a negative or controversial light.
Agreed. Don't even bring up the other things mentioned in John's post. However, many interviewers like to "feel" you by having you "tell us about yourself" and may ask about your hobbies. You could make up something, but this might backfire on you, e.g., if you say you like to hunt and fish but the interviewer turns out to be a vegan. :evil:

Sav .250

September 6, 2009, 07:19 AM

Unless your trying to prove a point, why not leave your weapon at home and do your interview.
Your "flying out" so were is your weapon going to be ? Not trying to be mean here but you seem some what paranoid about this issue. Good luck on your interview.

madcratebuilder

September 6, 2009, 07:51 AM

Leave your guns at home Bill, leave your guns at home. Johnny Cash wrote that and it applies here. In many states that allow open carry you well find that the larger cities well have laws against it.

IndispensableDestiny

September 6, 2009, 08:07 AM

You are joking, right?

everallm

September 6, 2009, 08:19 AM

No pussyfooting around it and this may seem harsh but needs saying.

First, simply having to ask this question should be a concern for you.

You have a computer, do a search
If your staying in a hotel, ask the front desk
Ask the company you are interviewing with

Unless the role you are interviewing for requires use of a firearm AND they have specifically informed you to bring a firearm with you then carrying is the most stupid thing you can do. Interviews are NOT to get an individual a job they are to highlight the individuals who they will not employ.

Second, a firearm is a single tool, not some magic wand that protects you from evil. If you can't use your eyes and common sense to avoid dodgy situations and areas then you should really re-consider your reasons for CCW.

scottaschultz

September 6, 2009, 08:24 AM

I am hesitant to disarm for fear of my own safety.
It better be a damn good job to work some place where you fear for your safety!

Scott

Mp7

September 6, 2009, 08:33 AM

you also have the right to openly carry sextoys ...
... but would you bring them to a job interview?

bring a pepperspray and a folder.

cassandrasdaddy

September 6, 2009, 09:14 AM

op the first 2 sentences in everallm's post said it all. i have to wonder/hope you were joking with your question

kingpin008

September 6, 2009, 09:19 AM

I am hesitant to disarm for fear of my own safety.

Guns are not magical talismans against danger and violence. The sooner you realize that, the better.

MINDSET
SKILLSET
TOOLSET

In that order!

I don't remember at the moment who's signature line this is, but it's absolutely true. Stand up straight, keep your eyes open, and carry some OC spray and a knife or cane. You'll be fine.

KarenTOC

September 6, 2009, 09:38 AM

Things not to do at a job interview:

> Tell the interviewer she's a babe
> Show up for an office position in a sweat suit
> List "internet porn" under hobbies
> Ask about the company policy on employee pilferage
> Light up a cigarette (bonus points for blowing smoke in the interviewer's face)
> Curse like a sailor
> Bring a gun

WNC Seabee

September 6, 2009, 09:43 AM

I've hired a lot of people over the years. I'm a gun nut myself and carry (concealed) at work frequently.

If you showed up for an interview with me OC'ing, you wouldn't make it past the receptionist. She wouldn't freak out mind you, she would come to my office to tell me you're here and say, "Oh, he's carrying a gun." I'd have her thank you for your time and show you out the door.

What you are suggesting shows an incredible lack of discretion, judgment and common sense.

22-rimfire

September 6, 2009, 09:47 AM

I like guns. If any job candidate showed up for an interview with a gun, I wouldn't consider interviewing them... end of interview. "Stupid is a stupid does." I think this might just "hint" at a problem employee in the future. Talk about dress for success?

GBExpat

September 6, 2009, 10:48 AM

What you are suggesting shows an incredible lack of discretion, judgment and common sense.

There it is ...

Upstate Gun Man

September 6, 2009, 10:52 AM

I strongly urge you NOT to open carry to this interview. If in fact you need the job. Most people, gun supporters or not, would frown on a person bringing a weapon to an interview. As an ex employer of over 70 people, I most certainly would. If I saw you in the waiting room I would probably call the police..

gallo

September 6, 2009, 10:58 AM

Not unless open carry is encouraged as part of the interview attire.

Ex. Business casual for men; for ladies, holster must match purse and shoes.

Werewolf

September 6, 2009, 11:03 AM

...if you hired a plumber or a cleaning crew to your house, and he was carrying, what would you think? "Oh it's ok he's just enforcing his right to carry." Personally I would think "D**n! this guys gonna rob me! ***!" Even if it is a right you gotta have some boundries and some common sense.

Can anyone say PROJECTION?

Anyone...

Buehler? Buehler?

Seriously. If a cleaning crew came to my home and they were open carrying I would have no problem with that at all - assuming it was a legitimate business.

Sounds to me like the guy I quoted is just against open carry and because he's against it it shouldn't be OK for anyone.

Either RKBA is for real or it isn't. It's a right or it isn't. Sad that some here can't seem to make up their minds.

rbernie

September 6, 2009, 11:16 AM

OC to an interview is simply stupid.

You are going on a job interview - asking somebody else to give you money in exchange for your services, with the employment screening likely conducted in their facility. Anyone that doesn't have the judgement to determine the 'rules of the house' before entering is NOT likely to be a welcome guest.

Anyone that shows up openly carryin' at my interviews will not make it past the lobby. That is NOT because I am afraid of them, but because I will have adjudicated their behavior to be grossly inappropriate for the circumstances and therefore them being not worthy of further screening.

You don't wear political commentary on your clothing to an interview, you don't come disheveled and unclean, and you don't come openly carryin'. Like it or not, it is simply NOT the norm and therefore is not done until sanctioned by the employer.

Maelstrom

September 6, 2009, 12:11 PM

Tomorrow's ridiculously obvious question of the day:

I'm a 35 year old teacher. There's a little six year old girl that's been really flirty. Should I make an advance or should I get her parents to sign a permission slip first?

ezypikns

September 6, 2009, 12:19 PM

Either RKBA is for real or it isn't. It's a right or it isn't. Sad that some here can't seem to make up their minds.

Maybe this individual is independently wealthy.

If not, I'd be interested in the number of sucessful job interviews they've had with their pistol proudly and prominently displayed.

At any rate, that's one dissenting vote in about 25.

Once again, reality rears its ugly head.

wyohome

September 6, 2009, 12:21 PM

Wear it. Pat it lovingly while saying "I'm sure THIS interview will go better than the last 3".

danbrew

September 6, 2009, 12:28 PM

And there we have society's view in general on Open Carry. If most of us believe that Open Carry to a job interview is a bad idea, you can then at least understand why most of society takes a dim view of Open Carry.

To the original poster... well, shoot, I say, go ahead and open carry to the interview. Since you had to ask the question, I think we can safely assume that you're not interviewing for a position where packing heat would be smiled upon. Given that, you appear to have incredibly poor decision making skills and that will likely be obvious in the interview - meaning there's no way you're going to get a job. So why not liven up the day and Open Carry? I'd love to read your report afterwards when the cops bounced you outta there.

Remember, if you have to ask the question, you already know the answer.

Mp7

September 6, 2009, 12:35 PM

Letīs make this more general.

Bringing anything to a job interview that does not
make a point for your seriousness or competence - is stupid.

Be it a BBQ-Grill, Baseballbat, Football-Helmet, Case of beer
or in this case a firearm.

In case this is an interview for Mall-Security-Guard job,
feel free to bring all of the above :)

DHJenkins

September 6, 2009, 12:37 PM

Make you sure you wear your "I really don't want this job" T-shirt to the interview as well...

Nathanael_Greene

September 6, 2009, 12:38 PM

If most of us believe that Open Carry to a job interview is a bad idea, you can then at least understand why most of society takes a dim view of Open Carry.

Oh, don't be silly. Most of us support freedom of religion, but would also advise against carrying a Bible to a job interview.

Have we forgotten what job interviews are? They're screening devices for keeping people out.

The job market is competitive enough. Don't screen yourself out by doing something flambuoyant just to make a point.

hso

September 6, 2009, 12:43 PM

So I am thinking I should open carry to the interview.

Think again.

If you show up at an interview with other than the expected and appropriate attire you won't be getting any job. That is a simple fact that anyone interviewing should know.

If carrying a gun isn't part of the job description then you shouldn't expect to get the job any more than you would showing up wearing a thong and feather boa at a fortune 500 company or a business suite and tie at a strip joint.

mljdeckard

September 6, 2009, 12:44 PM

You're serious, aren't you?

Lemme get this straight. You're flying to a strange town, to interview with someone who you are trying to impress, and convince them that you are the kind of person they can trust without constant direct supervision, who will save the company money rather than COST the company money, and hopefully be an improvement over the LAST guy who did the job, and you want to wear a GUN to the interview?

As pro 2a as I am, if a guy came in to interview with a gun, for a job other than cop, mercenary, or cowpoke, I would call security. If I were hiring a paid assassin he should be smart enough to conceal. It's judgment bordering on inflammatory.

9MMare

September 6, 2009, 12:44 PM

You have a computer, do a search
If your staying in a hotel, ask the front desk
Ask the company you are interviewing with

Second, a firearm is a single tool, not some magic wand that protects you from evil. If you can't use your eyes and common sense to avoid dodgy situations and areas then you should really re-consider your reasons for CCW.

I havent started carrying my 9mm yet, but do people get that used to some kind of magic security blanket wearing them?

I've lasted 49 yrs walking the streets and parks of Manhattan, the Bronx, & Seattle. It's much more about attitude, demeanor, knowing how to handle yourself, keeping your eyes open. Never had a gun. Sure, it's great to have that extra protection, but the odds, safety-wise....?

As everallm said, check out your routes ahead of time, do some research so you can feel more comfortable and stay in safer areas.

Werewolf

September 6, 2009, 01:04 PM

As pro 2a as I am, if a guy came in to interview with a gun, for a job other than cop, mercenary, or cowpoke, I would call security.

Assuming open carry is perfectly legal where you are and your place of business isn't posted then I am forced to ask -why? As a pro-2A guy why would that put you off? Why would you call security? What are you so afraid of?

If carry, concealed or otherwise is prohibited by the company, it is simple enough to explain the policy to the prospective employee and ask, "Will that be a problem?". It's the prospects answer that counts.

I am 100% aware of the practical arguments against oc'ng to a job interview but those arguments only exist because we, meaning almost 100% of those here, including myself at times, treat our rights like privelidges. We hide the fact that we are gun owners. We're ashamed to let anyone we're not 100% sure of know we like firearms for fun and self defense. We're in the closet so to speak.

My workplace has a no weapons policy. BUT everyone there in my office, about 50 people, know I'm an RKBA guy. That I own lots of guns and shoot them regularly. I wear a Smith and Wesson logo hat to work on casual Fridays. Hell, once when a VP from LA came in and needed a knife to open a box he asked my, "You have your knife on you today?". Of course I did and before you ask, no I am not a maintenance guy that would need one; I am a financial analyst that sits behind a PC generating statistics for Directors and VP's all over the company. Granted, carrying that knife is not quite the same as OC (illegal in Oklahoma anyway) but it's a start.

So we either come out or we live with being considered paranoid whack jobs. Certainly its not easy but exercising rights never has been when those in power wish to restrict them.

Sometimes I wonder if the US would ever have been born if the founders had been like us? I fear that we as pro-2a folk are our own worst enemies.

m2steven

September 6, 2009, 01:14 PM

I have to say,even if the time has passed for the interview, that this is one of the silliest things i've ever read as a post topic. I would never, ever, in a million years, open carry a weapon into an interview. A large company would have you arrested as soon as you got into the parking lot.

MachIVshooter

September 6, 2009, 01:31 PM

You have the right to OC, and they have the right to not hire you. The specific arguments against it have been well covered by others already.

Just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should. Prudence.

weisse52

September 6, 2009, 01:36 PM

You may the right to open carry, but common sense would say this is not the time or place to do so. And like it or not, if you showed up to a company OC'ing you are going to get shown the door at the very least, and arrested at the worst.

We should all do our part to support the RKBA, but as in all things. Use some common sense...

Doggy Daddy

September 6, 2009, 01:37 PM

Wear it. Pat it lovingly while saying "I'm sure THIS interview will go better than the last 3".

Thread Winner!

DD

Autolycus

September 6, 2009, 02:38 PM

I'm still not sure what the problem is. I thought that as fellow gunowners you would support my decision to prepare my self for the worst. For all those who say that I should lock it up or not carry, then why carry at all if not to protect myself?

As rbernie and others pointed out that I should check the rules of the house, does this apply to every place I go? Does it apply to concealed carry? Everytime I enter a McDonalds should I call ahead to make sure that they allow carry of a firearm either openly or concealed?

My question still stands, why should I not carry? Isn't open carry a normal everyday thing? It is legal and my right, so why should I disarm for their sensibilities? I am an American and I am exercising my Constituitional rights. I would think that many of you would be glad to see your fellow employees and countrymen exercising thier rights at work and in life.

As Werewolf pointed out either RKBA is real or it isn't. Nobody has given a good reason why they would not hire someone who carried a defensive pistol to the interview. I assume that many here CCW so how is it any different when I explain that this is my only legal option right now in regards to carrying a pistol? I need to carry a pistol to protect myself, but I cannot conceal it right now. I am sure they would understand? Are you guys saying that you would not understand that?

GEM

September 6, 2009, 02:39 PM

Where I live, it is legal to wear only clothes that cover your tush crack and your male organ. It is also legal to carry a rifle.

Thus, I suggest wearing a flesh colored thong (a guy used to do this and then bicycle up and down the fancy neighborhood :neener:) and carry an AR-15 to the interview. Exercise your rights.

Also, get some tatoos of skulls, blood and chainsawed torsos! :evil:

cleetus03

September 6, 2009, 02:48 PM

What's the proper word/term for a question you already know the answer to?

wyohome

September 6, 2009, 02:53 PM

Rhetorical?

Doggy Daddy

September 6, 2009, 02:53 PM

Are you really serious in asking this, or are you trying to provoke discussion? I can't seriously believe that if you really desired landing this job, you would not see how things operate in the real world. This is not academia. You do not have tenure protecting your job.

I'm reminded of those who would wear a mohawk to a job interview for the purpose of not getting a job and still meeting the requirements of the Unemployment Office of putting in a certain nunber of applications to remain eligible for benefits. Your method has the added advantage of an attempted nose tweak to the rest of us pro-RKBA believers.
Unbelievable.

DD

smallbore

September 6, 2009, 02:59 PM

Not a good idea. . .

everallm

September 6, 2009, 03:10 PM

Oldskool,

The only thing keeping the thread open, not gratuitously abusive and having you branded a troll is your post count.

People are TRYING to get across to you what is at BEST a seriously career limiting move.

A right to bear arms is a personal and individual right

It is not an obligation

With Rights come Responsibilities

You would equally have the "right" to go to the interview, dressed like a muppet, reeking of Thunderbird and carrying a 5 gallon can of gas.

Guess what, you probably wouldn't get the job then either.

If you still don't understand the problem then nothing anyone is saying is going to get through.

N003k

September 6, 2009, 03:11 PM

I'm still not sure what the problem is. I thought that as fellow gunowners you would support my decision to prepare my self for the worst. For all those who say that I should lock it up or not carry, then why carry at all if not to protect myself?

I think we all support you being able to defend yourself, but your question isn't "Should I carry to the mall?" or "Should I carry going to some shops?"

As rbernie and others pointed out that I should check the rules of the house, does this apply to every place I go? Does it apply to concealed carry? Everytime I enter a McDonalds should I call ahead to make sure that they allow carry of a firearm either openly or concealed?

Depends, are you going to McDonalds for a job interview, or to buy from them? Do you REALLY wan't to eat there? If so, yea, find out before going. Otherwise don't be surprised if you don't get the job/get asked to leave.

My question still stands, why should I not carry? Isn't open carry a normal everyday thing? It is legal and my right, so why should I disarm for their sensibilities? I am an American and I am exercising my Constituitional rights. I would think that many of you would be glad to see your fellow employees and countrymen exercising thier rights at work and in life.

Because while it may be legal and your right, it sends a message that "This guy doesn't have a bit of sense about how to present himself during a job interview." By all means, carry if you don't want the job, but keep in mind, they CAN choose not to hire you for carrying a gun. Firearm Owners are not a protected class...

As Werewolf pointed out either RKBA is real or it isn't. Nobody has given a good reason why they would not hire someone who carried a defensive pistol to the interview. I assume that many here CCW so how is it any different when I explain that this is my only legal option right now in regards to carrying a pistol? I need to carry a pistol to protect myself, but I cannot conceal it right now. I am sure they would understand? Are you guys saying that you would not understand that?

Because you're going to a professional situation.

If I showed up asking for a job from you dressed in medieval equipment and with a sword on my belt, would you hire me? (Assuming the job is anything not requiring the wearing of that garb) I'd guess not.

And it's different because concealed is concealed. They don't see it. If they don't see it, they don't have that become a concern. If it's not a concern, it's not a factor in you getting hired.

wvshooter

September 6, 2009, 03:12 PM

Yes, open carry to the interview. Not one gun but two. You are interviewing for the position of sheriff in a really rough cow town aren't you?

CRDNLPLT

September 6, 2009, 03:17 PM

You have got to be kidding.

PandaBearBG

September 6, 2009, 03:28 PM

WereWolf - I'm just saying around here the home service people around here that come to my house aren't large chains, they usually aren't in uniform or have service vehicles. The people who come to service our house come in personal non marked vehicles (mini vans or their SUV, in regular clothing, their own tools and no business cards or etc. Not my choice my landlords choice.

Regardless, I always look out for the most important people me and my family. My personal experience and my personal character, I just don't trust anybody. I always carry when someone is working on my house, when someone knocks on the door, when I walk my dog at nite, when I'm working in the garage. I've known the handyman for 2 years but only as the guy who occasionally comes to fix my things not as a person. I am all for right to carry but during your professional work day as a person coming into other peoples homes to do maintance as a stranger, carry your weapon to me is a sign of aggression. If you trust a perfect stranger to come in your home armed, in my mind there is always a chance he could be scamming you. 99.99% of the time I know I am giving unfair judgement about a person but all it takes is once.

I was just giving an example of how the OP would think in relation to bringing in a firearm to his job interview. Similar circumstances, both instances are concerning professional working enviroments. If you think I am wrong than I assume you think it's ok to for the OP to carry in his interview?

wyohome

September 6, 2009, 03:32 PM

If the place is so dangerous that I needed to carry in the main office or I was afraid of theft in the parking lot for what I am sure will be a short interview, I wouldn't want to work there anyway.

JoeShmoe

September 6, 2009, 03:43 PM

Oldskool is doing a good job of pointing out the fact, that although open carry may be legal, it isn't always prudent. Some of the diehards still don't see it, but most do. Nice work Oldskool.

Ed Ames

September 6, 2009, 03:46 PM

Humans are extremely sensitive to deviant behavior. Down to, "That guy's wearing a pink shirt! Something's wrong with him!!!" And, as a rule, we respond negatively to any whiff of deviance. Even when we try to keep an open mind, we have a hard time warming up to people who trigger that "he's not like us" reaction.

When you interview for a job, a LOT of what you are doing is proving that you aren't unacceptably deviant relative to the clique (company) you are trying to join.

If you actually want to join a clique, you have a choice... you can make a best guess about what will be considered normal and try to chameleon yourself into that mold before you go meet them, or you can try to establish some value for yourself that causes the clique to settle, to accept your deviance in exchange for your contributions. Of course, in order for that to work your talents must be more than a match for the clique's anti-deviance reaction. The harder you ring that "deviant! deviant! deviant!" alarm, the better you've got to be to stand a chance.

Open carrying a handgun in a city is deviant behavior. I've spent a lot of time in cities and can count on my diabetic neighbor's remaining toe the number of openly carried handguns I've seen on people not wearing a uniform of some sort or working at a gun store. It's more deviant than the guy wearing hair down to his coccyx was in the 1960s, or the gal with the tattoos all over her body was in the 1980s, or, well, you get the idea.

It isn't that deviants can't get jobs, it's that they need to choose cliques carefully or be very very good at what they do. If you meet a girl with tattoos all over her arms and legs (where they would be difficult to conceal), it's not unreasonable to think she works at a head shop, tattoo parlor, seedy bar, or the like. If you find out she is an investment banker you can bet she's very very good at what she does.

If you are honestly afraid of walking around in a city... something done by perhaps 240,000,000 Americans every week... I'd suggest you think long and hard about how good you really are at whatever you do.

jnyork

September 6, 2009, 03:48 PM

I think Oldschool is just yanking you feller's chains, he cant possibly be serious, has to be some sort of tongue-in-cheek joke. Isn't it? :(

rbernie

September 6, 2009, 03:53 PM

As rbernie and others pointed out that I should check the rules of the house, does this apply to every place I go? Does it apply to concealed carry? Everytime I enter a McDonalds should I call ahead to make sure that they allow carry of a firearm either openly or concealed?
Depends on how you want to be treated and the nature of your business there. By law in many states, there are specific legally-binding signage that a business can display if they do not want concealed or open carry in their establishment. In those cases, they are telling you up front what they expect of you when you enter their property. If they do not, you do not have to ask first before entering, but you will have to deal with the reactions that you'll get once you're inside.

There's a difference between buying a Big Mac and asking for a job. In the first instance, they can get huffy at you and all that happens is that you walk out and go down the street to get a burger elsewhere. In the latter case - you're out the cost of the plane fare and you still didn't get the job.

You can get all righteous and RKBA indignant with them if you want - I'll not tell you that you can't. I'll just tell you (along with almost everyone else here, apparently) that such behavior lowers the probability of gettin' a job by a pretty substantial margin.

Your call.

But if you want to score max points in the 'righteous flame of RKBA' category, feel free to ignore all common sense and intermingle your politics with your source of income. And make no mistake - carryin' into the interview instead of leaving the carry weapon in the car *is* making a political statement, and your own responses have clearly alluded to the fact that you know this.

It is legal and my right, so why should I disarm for their sensibilities? I am an American and I am exercising my Constituitional rights. I would think that many of you would be glad to see your fellow employees and countrymen exercising thier rights at work and in life.
Uh, yeah. You really aren't asking because you need protection - you want validation of your political beliefs, or validation that it's OK to shove your political beliefs into the workplace.

Have fun with all that.

22-rimfire

September 6, 2009, 04:00 PM

My question still stands, why should I not carry? Because it brings un-necessary attention to a political belief and you want the job. Isn't open carry a normal everyday thing? NO It is legal and my right, so why should I disarm for their sensibilities? Because you want the job. I am an American and I am exercising my Constituitional rights. I would think that many of you would be glad to see your fellow employees and countrymen exercising thier rights at work and in life. I'd like to see you get a job that you want.

You must have some very special qualifications for a prospective job if you are willing to rock the boat before you are even hired. Go for it.

junyo

September 6, 2009, 04:06 PM

I'm still not sure what the problem is. I thought that as fellow gunowners you would support my decision to prepare my self for the worst. For all those who say that I should lock it up or not carry, then why carry at all if not to protect myself?

As rbernie and others pointed out that I should check the rules of the house, does this apply to every place I go? Does it apply to concealed carry? Everytime I enter a McDonalds should I call ahead to make sure that they allow carry of a firearm either openly or concealed?

My question still stands, why should I not carry? Isn't open carry a normal everyday thing? It is legal and my right, so why should I disarm for their sensibilities? I am an American and I am exercising my Constituitional rights. I would think that many of you would be glad to see your fellow employees and countrymen exercising thier rights at work and in life.

As Werewolf pointed out either RKBA is real or it isn't. Nobody has given a good reason why they would not hire someone who carried a defensive pistol to the interview. I assume that many here CCW so how is it any different when I explain that this is my only legal option right now in regards to carrying a pistol? I need to carry a pistol to protect myself, but I cannot conceal it right now. I am sure they would understand? Are you guys saying that you would not understand that?Because as an interviewee you're not a customer, you're some stranger asking me to give you a bunch of money. Any decent sized company has hired people that appeared perfectly qualified, friendly, and balanced in their interview that turned out to be wacko, drunks and/or *********s once employed. And it costs me a ton of money to get rid of you once I've hired you. Therefore anything that makes me wonder about you, any red flags, means I'm not taking the chance.

I carry a gun, and actually I'm fairly paranoid, and even I don't think open carry, all the time everywhere, like Wyatt Earp, makes much sense, and I wonder about people who do. So if I had to decide whether to give a bucket of money, plus benefits, plus the ramifications of the freaked out other employees and/or any additional liability, it's a massive hurdle to convince me that you make me more money than the next guy, who in all likelihood won't be visibly carrying a gun.

By all means, do what you think best, just don't be suprised when you don't even make it into the interview.

kwelz

September 6, 2009, 04:12 PM

I used to work in staffing and anyone applying for a job should understand what is an isn't appropriate for an interview. You have the right to wear just about anything you want anywhere you go but if you came into an interview in anything less than dress pants, a button down shirt, and a tie, then you were probably not going to get placed.

Just because something is your right doesn't mean it is appropriate at all times. A job interview is not the place for an exposed weapon. It is also not the place to wear your 25 piercings and sleeveless shirt showing off your tattoos.

I swear the Open carry movement is becoming the 2A version of a Gay Pride parade. I support GLBT just like I support the 2nd Amendment but sometimes you can be a little to "in your face" and it works against you.

donato

September 6, 2009, 04:21 PM

Some things are just not worth falling on your own sword over. This OC to an interview thing reminds me of California girls back in the 70s. Back then there was a guy(s) (Hillside strangler or someone like that) picking up young girls hitchhiking, then raping and killing them. However, a lot of the girls never stopped hitchhiking because it was their God-given right to do so and they had also worked so hard to become liberated and they weren't about to give up that right for which they had struggled so hard to achieve. Go figure.

scottaschultz

September 6, 2009, 04:23 PM

Well this is all hypothetical at this point. If the OP insists on exercising is Constitutional rights, I think he should OC with pride!!

Scott

P.S. Please come back and let us know how the interview turned out. I have $5 that says you doesn't make it past the receptionist's desk!

Blackbeard

September 6, 2009, 04:26 PM

Put me down in the "this is a joke" column. If he's not joking, he's in serious need of a reality check. There are all sorts of things you have the right to bring to a job interview, that will guarantee you don't get hired. I'm not sure why anyone would even consider carrying at a job interview.

P.S. Now I'm really curious what the job is. I hope it's not "daycare worker".

Keb

September 6, 2009, 04:27 PM

I think the company might just ask for their air fare and motel costs to be refunded!

poco loco

September 6, 2009, 04:47 PM

You would equally have the "right" to go to the interview, dressed like a muppet, reeking of Thunderbird and carrying a 5 gallon can of gas.

Heh, We had a similar situation years ago. We were part owners of a towing company and a guy came in applying for a driver job.

After the interview at 8am, he walked up to one of the other owners and asked " where can a guy get a drink around here at this time of day" Needless to say he didn't get the job.

I swear the Open carry movement is becoming the 2A version of a Gay Pride parade. I support GLBT just like I support the 2nd Amendment but sometimes you can be a little to "in your face" and it works against you

Open carry serves 2 purposes imo. One is protection the second is normalization. We need people to see that normal people are gun owners and that a sidearm won't just magically jump out of the holster and start randomly mowing people down.

just for comparison after some time in Az, even in "liberal" Tucson, people pay next to no attention to open carry at all. An AR at a presidential event being the obvious exception. No one really cares at all whether in the city or the country.

Werewolf

September 6, 2009, 04:47 PM

Regardless, I always look out for the most important people me and my family. My personal experience and my personal character, I just don't trust anybody. I always carry when someone is working on my house, when someone knocks on the door, when I walk my dog at nite, when I'm working in the garage. I've known the handyman for 2 years but only as the guy who occasionally comes to fix my things not as a person. I am all for right to carry but during your professional work day as a person coming into other peoples homes to do maintance as a stranger, carry your weapon to me is a sign of aggression.Ahh...

It's OK for you to carry to defend you and yours but not OK for others if they're on the job. All a function of trust. Yeah that's the ticket. Trust.

Well then that makes it all OK.

Come to think of it there's probably a lot of people in all the work places there are where someone on the job went nuts and started shooting would agree.

You know the safest way of not getting shot at work Werewolf? Go armed to the interview so you don't end up with the job.

The threads not about "Should it be so normal that you can carry to a job interview without them thinking anything of it?"

Nor is it "Should I be allowed to carry on the job for safety?"

It's "Should I open carry to a job interview?"

If you honestly think the answer to that is yes, then go for it. But theres a larger then otherwise chance that doing so will lead to you not even getting to enter the interview, let alone get the job...

vintage68

September 6, 2009, 05:01 PM

Maybe you should carry to the interview, just so you can report back to us what a disaster it was :D

Ed Ames

September 6, 2009, 05:02 PM

if you came into an interview in anything less than dress pants, a button down shirt, and a tie, then you were probably not going to get placed.

It's all about being a correct match for the clique you are trying to join. The trick is to guess the prejudices of the prospective employer, and decide whether you'll go along or not.

In my 17+ years in the software/computer industry, I have never worn a tie. In fact I've never owned a tie. They are about as useful in my world as a leather jerkin..probably less. I have worn various shirt/pant combos ranging from tee and jeans to wool slacks and silk shirt, and through it all I've never left an interview without a job offer. Of course I haven't interviewed everywhere...there are many jobs I'm qualified for but don't want...but the point stands.

The reason for wearing, or not wearing, a gun to an interview has everything to do with fitting in with the group you are trying to join. Look at them. Would they do it? If yes, you should. 99.999% of the time the answer is "no, they wouldn't."

mgregg85

September 6, 2009, 05:04 PM

If you plan on open carrying during the interview you might as well just save yourself the cost of the plane ticket and not go. I'd leave the gun in the car for the interview, even if it was for a job in the firearms industry.

22-rimfire

September 6, 2009, 05:27 PM

I'll use an analogy.... If a young woman came in for a job interview for a receptionist or any position for that matter and was wearing a low cut blouse and was all hanging out; I might have to use some male self restraint. I wouldn't even be interested in looking at her resume. The applicant should do everything in their power to focus attention on their credentials and experience. Maybe she has. :) Needless to say, she would not get the job, any job in my business. I have enough headaches without adding another one. Guns are a little like this as well, but I'm in total agreement about exercising our constitutional righs with discretion.

rondog

September 6, 2009, 05:29 PM

You know what they say about "there's no such thing as a stupid question"? I think you just disproved that theory.

THE DARK KNIGHT

September 6, 2009, 05:29 PM

havent started carrying my 9mm yet, but do people get that used to some kind of magic security blanket wearing them?

I've lasted 49 yrs walking the streets and parks of Manhattan, the Bronx, & Seattle. It's much more about attitude, demeanor, knowing how to handle yourself, keeping your eyes open. Never had a gun. Sure, it's great to have that extra protection, but the odds, safety-wise....?

Exactly, I too live right outside NYC, and I'm sure you know how crummy parts of NJ can be. I went 21 years without a gun in the home at all, and been a gun owner for two years and still cannot carry. I have no fear of anywhere, I simply don't go where I don't belong and my life is just fine. I'm perfectly safe. I'd love it if I could have the option of CCW, but I don't and people like me and you can make do for years. This guy can DEFINITELY make do for a single day.

I'd love to CCW if I could, but I would not be paranoid to leave the house without my 9mm binky. I think many people who CCW or even just own guns get the wrong idea. Instead of going about their life as normal and they happen to have a gun in case they're in danger of becoming a statistic, they change their entire world view. Every person is a potential justifiable homicide. Any person they don't know has GOT to be a criminal. They cant go anywhere without two guns on them. They question if certain +P .45 hollow point will be enough to save them from certain death at the local Winn-Dixie. They become completely paranoid and scared of the world around them, and it is such a sad way to live.

I'll never forget a different forum I used to browse on. Some guys were discussing HD. THis guy didn't just keep a gun under the bed, he also had one in the closet, and the nightstand, and the kitchen, and the living room, and the garage, the attic, he even had one in the bathroom because you know, just in case the meth heads come.

I'm sorry, but when someone NEEDS a gun within arms reach to use the john in their own damn house, they've lost any connection with reality they may have previously had.

woodsoup

September 6, 2009, 05:33 PM

Three words...

ARE YOU CRAZY?

Leave the gun at home.

Werewolf

September 6, 2009, 06:11 PM

You know the safest way of not getting shot at work Werewolf? Go armed to the interview so you don't end up with the job.

The threads not about "Should it be so normal that you can carry to a job interview without them thinking anything of it?"

Nor is it "Should I be allowed to carry on the job for safety?"

It's "Should I open carry to a job interview?"

If you honestly think the answer to that is yes, then go for it. But theres a larger then otherwise chance that doing so will lead to you not even getting to enter the interview, let alone get the job...Emphasis mine.

You guys just cannot see the forest for the trees.

Will the OP get the job if he open carries to the interview? 99.5% chance - NO! Everyone has answered that satisfactorily. The OP knew the answer before he even asked the question.

If the question, "Should I open carry to a job interview?" was all this thread was about all it would have taken was 1 or 2 guys answering NO, It's just not practical in this day and age; for the thread to be done with.

What bothers me though is that no one seems to care that it is currently impractical and assumes that it is a perfectly natural state of affairs. What's even more worrying is the attitude of some that not only is it impractical to carry to an interview but that it is wrong even if legal. Some go so far as to say they'd call the cops or security because they'd feel threatened. Those are the same guys that claim to be all for RKBA for self defense and the defense of others. HYPOCRITES!

And that is the real problem. Not that some guy wants to OC to a job interview (I don't believe it).

The situation isn't ever going to get better. Ohhh... Our masters may toss us a crumb every now and then and like starving dogs we'll happily and gratefully lick it up off the filth strewn floor, slobbering and licking our masters hands in gratitude. That's what they've done by granting us the PRIVILEDGE of concealed carry. We gained nothing except a grant to do what we should have been able to do anyway and without their permission. Only now our masters know who we are and where to go when they're finally done playing their games and get down to business for real which is winning the culture war.

Don't kid yourselves. The fight for RKBA is a culture war. We think we're winning it but the antis and our masters know better. They're winning the culture war as each and every follow on generation gets more and more pacified.

The antis and our masters have nothing to worry about as long as they know we're all about playing nice and not ruffling feathers. They're even more sure they're gonna win because they know that as long as they keep us in bread and circuses that it just won't be practical to ever make a real stand, come out of the closet and peacefully stand up for our natural rights. Too much to lose after all. Got our families to think of. Got to earn a living so we can keep on buying big TV's, SUV's, put our kids thru college. The alternative? Too horrific to think of. So - we'll lose. Hell - we've already lost. The body's just not cold yet.

I'm just glad I won't be around for the final defeat though I grieve for my grandchildren who will.

Justin

September 6, 2009, 06:15 PM

Ahh...

It's OK for you to carry to defend you and yours but not OK for others if they're on the job. All a function of trust. Yeah that's the ticket. Trust.

Well then that makes it all OK.

Come to think of it there's probably a lot of people in all the work places there are where someone on the job went nuts and started shooting would agree.

See, what you're failing to realize is that a majority of us live in the real world. And in the real world, no matter how pro-gun we may be, we also realize that there are times when discretion is called for. If you are unable to recognize that open-carrying into a job interview is likely to result in not being hired, I'm not sure what else to tell you.

Or perhaps you're far more interested in making a statement than in steady employment.

Werewolf

September 6, 2009, 06:17 PM

See, what you're failing to realize is that a majority of us live in the real world. And in the real world, no matter how pro-gun we may be, we also realize that there are times when discretion is called for. If you are unable to recognize that open-carrying into a job interview is likely to result in not being hired, I'm not sure what else to tell you.

Read my post #79 that seems to have hit the thread just before yours did...

Oh...
Sometimes discretion is the better part of valor but sometimes discretion can be taken too far.

Justin

September 6, 2009, 06:24 PM

Oh. Now I realize what we've got here. Someone giving the ol' Libertarian Macho Flash. (http://www.mi.lp.org/Lists/SuccessNotebook/DispForm.aspx?ID=10) This discussion has devolved from having anything to do with the real world, to one where our fealty to the Second Amendment is thrown in doubt if we don't all [uselessly] moan and wail about how any citizen should be able to open carry anywhere.

KarenTOC

September 6, 2009, 06:56 PM

You know who I will never hire? Anyone calling me "Karen" during the interview process.

You can say the first ammendment right guarantees you the right to call me Karen.
You can say that it's not illegal to call me Karen.
You can say that since my name is Karen, it's ridiculous to object to being called Karen.

Adults who don't mind being called by their first name are generally not offended by being addressed as Mr or Ms Somebody. They'll just say "please, call me Karen." OTOH, adults who DO mind being called by their first name are mortally offended when so addressed. Any job seeker who would risk mortally offending the interviewer is someone whose judgement is too impaired to be working for me.

I am not alone in feeling that way. If interviewers get that exercised by being addressed by their first name, imagine their reaction to seeing a gun on the job seeker's hip!

But go ahead, stomp your foot and whine "it's my gun and I'll wear it if I want to." Be sure to let us know how the interview went.

waterhouse

September 6, 2009, 06:59 PM

What bothers me though is that no one seems to care that it is currently impractical and assumes that it is a perfectly natural state of affairs. What's even more worrying is the attitude of some that not only is it impractical to carry to an interview but that it is wrong even if legal. Some go so far as to say they'd call the cops or security because they'd feel threatened. Those are the same guys that claim to be all for RKBA for self defense and the defense of others. HYPOCRITES!

I fully support open carry. I'd do it if the Texas allowed me to.

I am not concerned that OC to an interview is not currently practical, and that not OCing to and interview is a perfectly natural state of affairs. Why?

Because, as others have mentioned, I don't think this is a gun rights issue.

The OP asked about an extremely specific situation, that of a job interview. As mentioned, carrying a bible or wearing a wooden baton or cleaning your fingernails with your Kabar may all be legal (check your state laws :D), but they are not normal things for a job interview.

There is a perfectly natural state of affairs for most job interviews, and pretty much anything you do or carry outside of that is considered abnormal.

I've sat in on a job interview where the applicant had his cell phone go off. This was talked about (and not in a good way) after the applicant left. Having your cell phone turned on, in that setting, was deemed inappropriate by the people doing the interview. The interviewers owned and used cell phones on a regular basis. They aren't hypocrites for expecting that all phones would be off during the interview.

Kindrox

September 6, 2009, 07:04 PM

If someone interviewed with my open carrying, they arn't getting hired! Why? Because I already know you are a socially awkward wierdo at best, and trying to send me a message at worst.

After you get hired, and I get to know you, then ask if you can open carry. There are a lot of things in life that if you have to ask, you probably shouldn't do it.

Other things not to bring to an interview:

A six pack of beer,
Your kid,
Speedoes,
Porn

General Geoff

September 6, 2009, 07:07 PM

Just as an aside, here.

Normally, being a job applicant means you are the one who must "measure up" for a job interview. But I should point out that I have friends who have gone to job interviews with the opposite attitude; "Is this job good enough for me?" Now, in order to have such a genuine attitude, you must not be wanting for money, and/or your skills are beyond reproach. This would usually mean the company needs you more than you need the company. Most people don't fall into this category when going to a job interview, but I have to say, if the OP does, open carrying to the interview may actually be beneficial to test the attitude of the employer.

scotthsi

September 6, 2009, 07:13 PM

Oldskoolfan, you have GOT to be effin' kidding! If not...seek professional help!

9MMare

September 6, 2009, 07:30 PM

What bothers me though is that no one seems to care that it is currently impractical and assumes that it is a perfectly natural state of affairs. What's even more worrying is the attitude of some that not only is it impractical to carry to an interview but that it is wrong even if legal. Some go so far as to say they'd call the cops or security because they'd feel threatened. Those are the same guys that claim to be all for RKBA for self defense and the defense of others. HYPOCRITES!

The situation isn't ever going to get better.

Don't kid yourselves. The fight for RKBA is a culture war. We think we're winning it but the antis and our masters know better. They're winning the culture war as each and every follow on generation gets more and more pacified.
.

If he's trying to make inroads into open carry acceptibility, then **IMO** a frontal attack as he mentioned is the wrong way to go. If he would like to influence his workplace and his community to be pro-OC, then **IMO** it's alot easier to do so as a member of that workplace/community.

Get the job, move. Carry concealed, get to know people, and TALK to them. Let them see you as a regular, law-abiding citizen. Discuss your views with them. Dont slap them in the face and issue them a challenge to accept you.

9MMare

September 6, 2009, 07:32 PM

Other things not to bring to an interview:

A six pack of beer,
Your kid,
Speedoes,
Porn

LMAO

ultra45

September 6, 2009, 07:33 PM

With the exception of the original poster...There are many intelligent folks on this forum and in this thread...So I have to ask..WHY ARE YOU GUYS AND GALS, FEEDING THE TROLL?

ezypikns

September 6, 2009, 07:33 PM

Changed my mind

You MUST wear your firearm everywhere. Especially to this job interview!

Universal Open Carry must never be challenged.

PT1911

September 6, 2009, 07:41 PM

you know what.. you should open carry to your interview... without a doubt... you wont get the job and may not even get as far as the interview but go for it... then you can sleep great that evening knowing your principles have not been polluted by the MAN...then again, you will wake up unemployed and have to sell the gun you were so adamant about carrying to avoid that whole homeless situation.

JoeShmoe

September 6, 2009, 07:44 PM

Ultra45, Oldskool has nearly 5000 posts here.

Girodin

September 6, 2009, 07:53 PM

is the attitude of some that not only is it impractical to carry to an interview but that it is wrong even if legal.

Are you serious? Right and legal are two very different things. Legal and appropriat are two very different things. All of the following are legal but inapropriate for a job interview.

Wearing jeans
wearing a shirt with a big pot leaf on it.
Wearing shirts (or anything else) that is making a statement.
Wearing your favorite bull ring in your nose.
Being unclean or looking sloppy.

You can legally do any of the above but it will hurt you in most job interviews.

If you cannot understand why it is perhaps inappropriate to open carry in a situation like a job interview I'm not sure what to tell you.

Oh. Now I realize what we've got here. Someone giving the ol' Libertarian Macho Flash. This discussion has devolved from having anything to do with the real world, to one where our fealty to the Second Amendment is thrown in doubt if we don't all [uselessly] moan and wail about how any citizen should be able to open carry anywhere.

+1 It is not a gun rights issue any more than not dressing nicely is a first ammendment freespeech issue.

wyohome

September 6, 2009, 07:56 PM

Oldskool has 5,000 posts because he doesn't have a job and has nothing better to do.
Kidding, or am I?

Paul82

September 6, 2009, 07:59 PM

They Might think your crazy. But if you can open carry there I would because you dont know the place, could be alot of crime.

EHL

September 6, 2009, 08:18 PM

I'll never forget a different forum I used to browse on. Some guys were discussing HD. THis guy didn't just keep a gun under the bed, he also had one in the closet, and the nightstand, and the kitchen, and the living room, and the garage, the attic, he even had one in the bathroom because you know, just in case the meth heads come.

I'm sorry, but when someone NEEDS a gun within arms reach to use the john in their own damn house, they've lost any connection with reality they may have previously had.

I just have one question to ask Dark Knight....... Who the heck do you think you are going through my house?!!!!:fire: How the heck do you know where I keep my guns!!!?:cuss: Guess I'm gonna have to find a new place in the bathroom for my "throne protector"....:scrutiny:

danbrew

September 6, 2009, 08:19 PM

As Werewolf pointed out either RKBA is real or it isn't. Nobody has given a good reason why they would not hire someone who carried a defensive pistol to the interview. I assume that many here CCW so how is it any different when I explain that this is my only legal option right now in regards to carrying a pistol? I need to carry a pistol to protect myself, but I cannot conceal it right now. I am sure they would understand? Are you guys saying that you would not understand that?

Well, like I said earlier, carry the gun & see what happens. Since you're all about your rights, God Bless America. Go learn first hand how the only entity that has to respect your rights is the government. A private employer doesn't have to respect your rights - you have no rights. I sort of wish I had the time to spare so I could drive down there with 'ya and watch you get bounced out on your head when you walk in with your gat.

I get a bit of a kick out of you saying "this is my only legal option right now" as you live in Illinois and you don't have the right to carry back home either. How do you protect yourself at home?

A high post count really doesn't mean too much, btw. Go read some of his other posts and you'll get a good sense of who you're talking to here. Isn't this the same guy that wanted to OC a shotgun on a motorcycle a few weeks ago?

What's amazing around here is that a ton of posts get locked because a mod thinks the post is diverting from "the high road", yet this serious piece of work gets to stay. Wow.

chevyforlife21

September 6, 2009, 08:26 PM

allot of companies freak out about just a pocket knife

SharpsDressedMan

September 6, 2009, 08:27 PM

Is this maybe a put-on? Are you just messin' with us? Pretty funny........

EHL

September 6, 2009, 08:36 PM

Is this maybe a put-on? Are you just messin' with us? Pretty funny........

I don't think anybody's that dense to actually open carry into a job interview. I think he's just enjoying the show with everybody freaking out about the prospect of showing up to an interview exposing their firearm.

Don't get me wrong, I carry everywhere. All of my interviews, I'v carried for every single one of them. I just didn't advertise it.

THE DARK KNIGHT

September 6, 2009, 08:53 PM

I don't think he's trolling, he's genuinely wondering this, sadly.

PandaBearBG

September 6, 2009, 09:11 PM

Werewolf - Yes a man should defend his right to open carry and have the right to defend himself from others. Do I trust everyone here if I were to meet them for the first time? Yes, most here are smart guys who know the generel rules of gun ownership and safety, especially around others. Are there thousands of guys who don't? Yes. Do I trust them? Absolutely not, no until I am 100% satisfied that they are to be trusted, and still I would wear a firearm if they came to my house. The issue isn't open carry for me, its bringing a gun to MY house without MY consent. It's where I LIVE and where everything that I OWN and all my worldly possession are. It's not like seeing someone in the street saying hey what's up nice gun. This stranger knows where I live whats in my house, the basic setup, if I live alone, if it's alarmed, etc. I want him to know that if he was a criminal and he did come back, he'd have a fight on his hands. If you posted a sale on craigslist (there was a post about this earlier on another thread) and I came over to see your item in your house and I was OC, you're saying you'd just let me in your home, you being unarmed? Hell no, that other thread people were saying meet at a public space and not alone, that was their advice.

I understand that you are advocating 2nd Amendment rights, but you gotta face reality, society is a 50/50, a give and take. It's far from perfect world. Every SHOULD be able to OC anywhere they want, whenever they want. Maybe that will happen, but it's not at that point yet. I'm not saying cave in and give up our rights, but the government in all their holy wisdom push laws and agendas against these kind of things. Sometimes if you push to hard all at once it caves in on you. In this case you gotta take it slow, swallow your pride and keep a steady force, sooner or later it will come about. Do you carry everywhere you go? The carnival? The beach? Daycare? Etc? I worry about me and my own first and foremost, I will defend myself with every advantage I have before playing nice against a stranger.

ny32182

September 6, 2009, 09:13 PM

Yes, I think you should OC to the interview. Report back with the results. :rolleyes:

scottaschultz

September 6, 2009, 09:15 PM

I'll never forget a different forum I used to browse on. Some guys were discussing HD. THis guy didn't just keep a gun under the bed, he also had one in the closet, and the nightstand, and the kitchen, and the living room, and the garage, the attic, he even had one in the bathroom because you know, just in case the meth heads come.

The really sad thing is that this is really hanging in someone's shower!

but seriousl.... just a bit extreme.. I can fathom carrying a gun to the bathroom.. who wants to get caught with their pants down... but to dedicate a gun to the bathroom... well, that is just a bit farther than I am gonna go..

EHL

September 6, 2009, 09:26 PM

but to dedicate a gun to the bathroom... well, that is just a bit farther than I am gonna go..

Why not? What's so crazy about that?:scrutiny: What, you think that if some home invaders broke into your house while you're on the pot, they're going to wait for you to flush, wipe, and pull your drawers up before they put a gun in your face??? Or if your wife is taking a shower, they're going to nicely wait outside while she puts on her bathrobe?:uhoh: Don't know what's so paranoid about keeping a gun in the bathroom. So long as you don't have children that can get access to it, I think it's being proactive for the "what if" or "just in case" scenario that each of us fears might come up.

rbernie

September 6, 2009, 09:32 PM

What's amazing around here is that a ton of posts get locked because a mod thinks the post is diverting from "the high road", yet this serious piece of work gets to stay. Wow.But this thread is instructive. In my opinion, it actually demonstrated what is best about THR - rational comment was posted in response to an outlandish question.

But I suspect that we've probably flogged this topic as much as is reasonable. What can be said, including the boilerplate from the RKBA Purity Test, has been said. As so I'll close it down and let everyone move along to more productive threads.

Oldskoolfan - PM me when the interview is over and we can re-open this thread so you can instruct us on how it turned out for you and your OC. Of course, if you don't OC to the interview, then (while I would agree with that choice) I'm not sure that I understand why you chose to make such a big deal about it.

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